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Sept, 2004 - Volume 11 Issue 4 |
Table of Contents
ANNUAL LUNCHEON AT THE CATHOLIC CLUB,
DETAILS APPEAR ON THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE. Passings Sister Imelda Mary Callaghan, SGS, (RIP) 18.7.1906-23.8.2004 It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Sister Imelda Mary Callaghan, in her 99th year, at Lewisham, on August 23, 2004. Sister Imelda Mary entered the Novitiate in 1933 and taught at St. James, Forest Lodge 1936?1951, St. Scholastica’s College, Glebe Point 1963-1968, returning to Forest Lodge for the year of 1969. Sister Imelda Mary is remembered by her past students with great affection. We join with the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in mourning her passing. William James Rowswell (RIP) 27.11.1933-11.7.1904 It is with sadness we record the passing of Bill Rowswell, in his 71st year, at Brisbane, on July 11, 2004. Alumnus of Forest Lodge, Intermediate Class of 1947; Bill was affectionately known as ‘Rowdy’ for his irrepressible personality. Bill saw only the happy side of life with his boisterous laughter and sparkling eyes. As a result of a number of minor strokes, Bill gradually lost his sight and some two or more years ago joined his widowed sister Maureen in Brisbane. We join with Maureen and younger brother Peter in mourning his passing. Requiescant in pace. AN IMPORTANT RECORD
The importance of Brother Basil’s diary is in the recorded thoughts of leaving Ireland, brethren, parents, siblings and relations; the journey into the unknown; the voyage across the open seas and oceans to a land more than 20 000 kilometres distant. The diary, therefore, gives us an insight to the thoughts of those who had gone before them, particularly the pioneer Brothers of the 1880s. No doubt similar thoughts dwelt in the minds of many who followed. From the website manager: Thank you to Kevin Scott for working with Basil to produce this document for all us to read, enjoy, and be inspired by; and thanks to Bas for releasing it for all to see. It will be a great addition to the congregation's archives.
OVER THE WAVES Saturday August 6th 1949 - At last came August 6th, the day on which we, (Gerald Egan, Cronan O’Meara and myself) obeyed the call of the Divine Master to leave father, mother and country to labour for Him in the far Mission fields of Australia.
So then after weeks and months of planning, shopping, consultations with Cook’s, with officials at Passports etc we were ready to depart. Before we left the motherhouse at Mount St. Joseph’s Tullow there was
held an official departure ceremony. During this ceremony the Brethren
drank to our health, wished us Bon Voyage, and every success in our new
Mission field.
At 2.30pm it was farewell to good old Tullow. As we sped through the curving avenue that leads from Mount St Joseph’s, we beckoned a last goodbye to the Brethren we had left behind. It was only when we were on the main road that leads to the Capital City that we began to realize we were on the first stage of our long journey to Australia. Dublin City greeted us with a sunny smile, and the residents of this pleasant city were equally friendly and hospitable. In this beautiful city then, we were to spend four nights, our lodging house being the Power’s Hotel, Kildare St, Dublin Sunday August 7th - This morning we were greeted not with a smile, but with a terrible frown as the smiling sunshine of the previous evening had changed to rain. Our hopes were high today as we expected to see a fine display of hurling. Galway versus Leix [pronounced 'leash'] was the game of the day. So after performing our first duty, hearing Mass, we started for Croke Park. Arriving there long before anybody else we took our seats opposite the centre line. The big game was played in a downpour. At the final whistle Leix were the victors. Tuesday August 9th - Strange to say we were greeted again this morning with a sunny smile, which lasted all through the day. As this was our last day in Ireland we were determined to make the best of it. So off we go to Cook’s and obtained some cheques which we needed during the voyage. This being finished, we visited the Museum, spending about two hours examining the different articles of interest there. After lunch we had another spin, this time to the top of Nelson’s Pillar, taking a farewell view of the city. Our next visit was to Bray to visit our Superior General, Brother Finbar Downes, who was in hospital, at the same time taking a short trip to the Zoo. At the ending to our last day in Eire was a short visit to Brother Gerard Tierney, who was in the Hospice for the Dying. Wednesday August 10th- Today we turn our backs on the Green Isle and face for England. So at 7.15am we take the train for DUNLAOGAIRE [pronounced Dunleary], where we are to make the first big plunge. Owing to some accident or mishap we have to wait about six hours for our ship, the Hibernia which takes us away from Holy Ireland. As the ship pulled out from land a little bit of homesickness was felt. And it became more intense as the Irish Coast disappeared from sight. This being our first trip on the sea we did not feel too happy about it. But the few hours it takes to cross the Irish Sea pass quickly and England was in view. Disembarkment took place at Holyhead and then on board a train for London. It was 11p.m. when we reached the largest city in the world. And so far today we have to be satisfied with viewing the different lightings. To brighten things a little my sister, Annie, was here to meet me. After a few short words she left and we went to the Imperial Hotel, Russell St., there to spend a dreadful night listening to the hum drum of traffic. Thursday August 11th - THE FATAL DAY HAS COME AT LAST. We are called at an early hour to get ready for our journey to Southampton where the Largs Bay is waiting for us. My two sisters called to say their last farewells this morning.
We were in our cabin for the first time at 12.45pm. We were on “B” Deck Cabin No. 114. At 1.00pm a horn sounded and all visitors were ordered off the ship. Then there was a loud drawing of gangways and slowly but surely we were moving from the wharf. At 4.30pm our hearts sank low when each was given a life belt, and then we had to go through life-saving drill. We did not feel very comfortable in these belts, but still we were delighted to know something about them ? not knowing the moment or hour we might need them. Our first day at sea passed quietly. At nightfall we went on deck to
study the stars. Retired to our “watery” bed at 10.30pm.
As there are no priests on board we decided to have the cup of tea. But really would much prefer not to be awakened up at this hour. After thanking God for having brought us safely through our first night on the sea we went to breakfast at 8.30am.We noticed the rolling of the ship today. We have left the English Channel and entered the Bay of Biscay. This is noted for its roughness and many passengers dreaded it. But so far it has not kept its reputation as it seems to be quite calm. After breakfast we go up on deck and there in vain, can we see a speck of land nothing but the hum of the ship’s engines and the lashing of the waves against the sides of the boat. Today we meet Brother O’Ready (a Christian Brother). He is on his way back to Australia after a short holiday. He is a man who has traveled much and so is a good guide for us. He points out the different places as we pass and so makes our journey more pleasant. We retired at 10.30pm. In bed we talk things over and as it were, make ourselves at home. (We have the cabin to ourselves which is a great boon). Our talking came to a close when the Bay of Biscay sends a wave flying through our porthole covering our cabin floor with water. After that our porthole is closed and this is the last shock the Bay gave us. We leave it tonight and enter the Broad Atlantic, 11.30pm. Saturday August 13th - This morning we are greeted with a sunny smile. As usual we have our cup of tea and then went through the same formalities of the previous day. We have got used to the ship’s routine.
Today too, at midday we can see to our left the West Coast of Spain. This helps to break the monotony of the sea. By 1.00pm today we could tell by the heat of the sun that we were moving towards the Tropics. At this time too, a tanker passed on its homeward journey to England. At 2.30pm we found it necessary to purchase sunglasses as we found the sun pretty glary. At 3.00pm I settled down to read a book. Tonight at 9.30pm we said the Rosary with Brother O’Ready. After Rosary we watched from deck a lighthouse sending out its warning beams. Retired at 11.00pm. Sunday August 14th - Today being the Vigil of the Feast of the Assumption
our thoughts went back to Tullow as the Ceremony of the Reception takes
place this morning. We follow the ceremony in Spirit, but we are sorry
we have no Mass.
At 5.00pm we cross the famous Straits of Gibraltar. The Straits separate the southern part of Spain from the northern tip of Africa. They are about 12 miles wide. So when a ship is passing through, the traveler can see the North of Africa and the South of Spain. After leaving the Straits we enter the Mediterranean Sea. Monday August 15th - This is the great Feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady. We miss having our Mass today. In spirit we turn to Tullow and see the great ceremonies of Profession. Just a year ago today I had the happy privilege of pronouncing my Final Vows. At 10.30am the Catholics on board gathered together in the reading room to honour Mary by saying her Rosary. We thanked her for looking after us so well up to this and asked her as STAR of the SEA to do likewise for the remainder of the voyage. We are greeted today with tropical sunshine. The Blue Mediterranean looks beautiful and it is a pleasure to watch passing ships. At nightfall we can see to our right the City of Algiers in the Northern tip of Africa Tuesday August 16th - We are busy writing letters today so that we can post them tomorrow at our first port of call ? MALTA. During most of the day land can be seen to our right ? Africa and on our left the island of Sicily. Wednesday August 17th - There is joy and excitement as our first port of call, Malta can be seen. Excitement reaches its climax at eleven o’clock. For then we enter the beautiful harbour of Valetta. No sooner had we entered the harbour than we were summoned by the Maltese little launches ready to take the passengers to the wharf. In this harbour the ships anchor a few hundred yards from the quay. We disembarked at 12 o’clock. Written up on the gangway is: ‘THIS SHIP SAILS TODAY AT 4PM.’ So we had four hours to look at Malta. Malta is a very small island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a British Possession. Its capital town and port is Valetta. So we are having the pleasure of walking through the streets of Valetta today. After having a meal on terra firma we visited the places of interest there. St. John’s Cathedral there is amongst the nicest Cathedrals in the world. It escaped damage during the war, except for one corner of the roof. Everywhere here can be seen the results of the Great War. We find it hard to bear the heat of the sun. Before we leave for the ship we go to see the Franciscan Church which contains a miraculous crucifix. One of the Franciscan priests told us “that the man who made the figure on this crucifix died before he had the head finished. But when they came to finish it, it was complete.” (miraculously) Thursday August 18th - We have completed a week on the water today. We have our usual routine. After dinner we have a sunbath on one of the ship’s deck. Friday August 19th - Again we are greeted with a sunny smile. Still we feel a bit tired of “Water, water, everywhere”. So we look forward to our next port of call, which is, PORT SAID. This little town leads to the famous Suez Canal. Saturday August 20th - At 6.30am this morning we enter PORT SAID. This port and town starts at the entrance to the Suez Canal. Here we leave the West behind and enter the East. In this harbour a number of ships are waiting their turn to move through the Canal. As soon as a ship enters the natives flock to its side with objects for sale. We thought them funny with their woolly hair and white protruding
teeth. They greet the visitors with “Hell’io Hello”. Then they show the
objects they have for sale. If an object is bought it is levered up to
the ship by means of a basket and rope.
We go ashore here and visit various places guided by an Arab. They look good in their long dress and tall hats. The sun is terribly hot. So we buy some tropical outfits. Life seems dead in this city. There are no shop windows. One must go inside to see what is to be had. We do not stay long here, as it is unpleasant. Back to the ship we wait our turn to move through the Canal.
At 10am we take our place in the morning list. As one enters this famous Canal one gazes on the statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a Frenchman, who shortened the journey to Australia by 3000 miles. For before the Canal was made ships had to go around the South of Africa. Through the Canal ships must go very slowly moving at a snail’s pace. It takes 14 hours to travel through the Canal (100 miles). As we go through we have on either side two great deserts. On our right is the Great Sahara Desert (2 _ million square miles) and on our left is the Arabian Desert. Not far from here to our left is Palestine or the Holy Land, where Our Lord lived and died. There is nothing to be seen on our way through, but sand, except
here and there a tree or small vegetation. At sundown the Arabs can be
seen traveling home on their camels. They greet the passengers in “a language
the strangers do not know”.
Sunday August 21st - Very early this morning we entered the Red Sea. This Sea has a bad name and most passengers dreaded the moment they would enter it. Although the sun is very, very hot, still there is a good sea breeze. For a few hundred miles this, we can see land on either side. Africa of course, at our right and Arabia to our left. As we pass here we think of the miraculous parting of the waters in the Old Testament. Monday August 22nd - Today our trouble starts. Suddenly we are thrown into an ocean of perspiration. It is unbelievable that one can perspire so much. We put our clerical garb aside and put on a tropical outfit. We say the Rosary in common again today. But Oh! How different it is from the previous Sunday. Passengers are moving about the ship’s decks wiping their brows every few minutes. Tonight we get into bed to get out again. For even the bed frames are hot. After long hours of turning we coax a few hours of sleep only to wake up in a sea of perspiration Tuesday August 23rd - As we move south towards the Equator it is getting warmer and warmer. The temperature today is 100 degrees. (About 20 degrees above the warmest day in Ireland.) We are told the temperature in the ship’s engine room is 135 degrees today. I leave the cabin and sleep on deck tonight. As we are traveling eastwards as well as south we put our clocks on 30 minutes tonight. At eight o’clock tonight a picture is shown on B deck. Wednesday August 24th - Woken up this morning by the ship’s horn. There is a very thick fog this morning that being the reason for the horn. But it sounds dreadful in the stillness of the night. At 7pm, we pass a group of Islands called the “Brothers”. They are uninhabited except for the lighthouse keeper. As 8pm draws near, Aden’s colourful lights open up before us. We are both excited and delighted at arriving here for we have a Monastery conducted by Brothers Aloysius Smith and Fergus Fleming. Unfortunately it is nearly eleven o’clock before we anchor. The notice went up on the gangway that the ship would sail at 6 o’clock the following morning. So seeing this and thinking it would be possible to see our Brothers ashore Cronan and Gerald decided to go ashore. I, on the other hand wasn’t game, as it is dangerous in these Eastern countries at night. I lay down on a deck chair and had a nap. In the early hours of the morning my two companions came back after a futile search for the Monastery. They also told me that I had five or six “Blacks” sleeping all around me. And so I had. We retired to rest after my companions’ description of their travels in Aden. Thursday August 25th - This morning there is a rumour that there is a fire on board. At first we did not seem to heed this. But when the ship did not leave at 6 o’clock we readily believed it. As the ship was not leaving today we decided to go ashore. So we start at 11am accompanied by Brother O’Ready. After a little search with the help of the natives we find the Monastery. The heat is terrible. The Monastery is a small building all of latticework, surmounted by a cross. We meet our two Brothers dressed in white. We ourselves were dressed in shorts. After discussing the fire on board and the Irish news, (as these two Brothers are from Ireland) we go to one of the hotels in Aden to have a meal. The Brothers had not the wherewith to give us a meal neither were they able to put us up for the night. Returning to the ship we were overcome by a sandstorm which nearly blinded us. Arrived on board we were confronted by a crowd of Negroes trying to master the fire which is getting worse. To make matters worse the fire is in our quarters of the ship and so we are not allowed to our cabins. So here we are ? no money ? no clothes except what we had on our backs and there we are wet with perspiration ? no toilet requisites. Friday August 26th - Excitement increases this morning, as the fire grows steadily worse. Those in the fire quarters were constantly inquiring about their baggage and their money also. At 6pm excitement reaches a climax, when columns of black smoke climb up from No 3 hatch. In less than half an hour most of the ship’s public rooms are full of smoke. There is panic when it is announced over the ship’s radio “that there is imminent danger and all passengers must proceed ashore immediately.” It is pretty hard to imagine the scene on board after this announcement. The heat is terrible, made worse still, by this fire. A woman faints and has to be taken off. As the ship is anchored about 700 yards from the quay, passengers have to be ferried to the wharf. This is slow and as there are over 500 passengers on board one can imagine the time it took to get the ship cleared. We were landed on Aden’s shore at midnight. Then we were packed into an Army bus and driven through sandy country at high speed. We prayed tonight as we never prayed before that God in his mercy would spare us and the ship. We arrived at the R.A.F. (Royal Air Force Camp) at 12.30am. This camp was used by the soldiers during the war. We walk into a big sandy floor building (all Woodwork), and here told to make the best of it for the night. We had nothing with us but a pillow and one blanket. So we spread the blanket on the floor and the pillow on top of it, and that was our bed for the night. When we lay down on our hard bed we uttered a prayer of thanksgiving to God for saving us from this fire. For if the fire had started after leaving Aden we would probably all be lost. There were about 60 to a hundred men in this building with us. They did a lot of growling and grumbling, but eventually all became quiet. Saturday August 27th - This morning we wake up sore and tired. My right side felt the effects of the hard bed. However, we did not complain, as we were thankful to see the light of another day. We manage to get a slice of bread and a cup of tea for breakfast this morning. After breakfast we proceed as travelers to the Monastery, where the Brothers graciously give us a change of clothes. The ones we had on were almost stuck to our backs. After getting this change of clothes and a much needed wash we proceeded back to our camp for dinner. There is a rumour today that the ship is in danger of sinking. So one can imagine what we felt as our money and our baggage were there. Two holes had to be cut in the sides of the ship to let in the
sea and stop the fire. We are also told today the ship was in imminent
danger of being blown up the evening before. So we must have someone’s
prayers.
Sunday August 28th - This morning we wake up in a sea of perspiration,
and feel much sorer and more tired than the previous morning. We feel it
hard to breathe. The sun is up before five. The heat lasts right through
the night. And more often than not the night is worse than the day. Sometime
in the night a little breeze gets up. But this happens so seldom. As the
fire is under control today, at midday we are allowed back to the ship
to fetch our money and toilet requisites.
Back to our camp again tonight. All the passengers who are not in fire quarters are allowed back on the ship tonight. That leaves 140 of us ashore. Tonight we get a bed and a little mattress, which we are delighted to get as really and truly we are fed up with the hard floor bed. Monday August 29th - We go to Mass in Aden’s little Catholic Church. There are two Franciscan Priests here. One has been here 40 years. We are taken to the Priests’ house after mass for a cup of coffee. Then this old man tells us all about Aden. After this we return to our camp for breakfast. Also here in Aden are two Franciscan Nuns. One of these has been here 40 years. From here on we go each morning to six o’clock Mass. Here each morning we have before us two nuns dressed in white (as black can’t be worn here), also in white are the two Brothers. Tuesday August 30th - We go to six o’clock Mass, meeting the Brothers and Priests afterwards and the usual cup of coffee. Today we notice that we have lost a good deal of weight. This is natural as we are not eating much and perspiring more and more each day. During the three weeks in Aden we spend our time swimming reading and visiting the monastery. The monastery and school are all in the one building. School starts very early and finishes at 12 o’clock. After this hour the heat prevents work in the school. We usually go for a walk with the Brothers after sundown. ADEN
As far as we could gather from our stay there Aden is a flourishing little town. Most of the work is done in the early morning, the natives can be seen at work before 5 o’clock. Apart from the harbour, and taxi work. Aden is a wilderness. Nothing whatsoever grows there. Everything has to be imported. The only sign of animal life is the camel and the goat. The natives are peculiarly dressed. The men’s outfit consists of skirt and shirt. The skirt reaches the ankles. The women’s consists of a dress reaching the feet. The head and face are always covered with a veil. And indeed it is seldom that a woman appears in public. Their sleeping quarters are in the open air. If one takes a trip through Aden at night one can see them sleeping on the streets, on the footpath and even on the housetops. I hope this little I have told you about Aden and its natives will give you a small idea of what this little place called Aden is like. [It seems that the Brothers remained ashore during the following week.] The next diary entry is:- Wednesday September 7th - We are allowed to take up our abode on board again Here we are confronted by a body of natives shouting and talking in their Arabic language. They are working and cleaning out the remains of the fire. We go to our cabin and find it hot and stuffy. At 1.30pm the Captain makes an announcement. He thanks the passengers for their forbearance during this unfortunate circumstance. He also makes known that in three days the ship would be ready to sail. One can imagine how delighted we were to know that in three days we will be leaving the “hot house”. Thursday September 8th - We are down and out today. Perspiration is running from every pore of our body. The day passes without any important incident. Friday September 9th - Today is worse than the previous day. We watch ships come into the harbour and go again, but the LARGS BAY is stationary. Saturday September 10th - We are tired of the old ship. We take a trip ashore again and as usual call to say hello to the Brothers. We do not leave them tonight until 10.30pm. Sunday September 11th - Our hearts are light today, as it the last day
in Aden. We feel that joy that a school boy feels when holidays are at
hand. We repeat with most of the passengers “one more day! Thank God;”
and then …At 2.30pm we go ashore not because we love Aden’s shore, but
because we want to bid farewell to our Brothers. So after a short chat,
they wished us Bon Voyage for the remainder of our journey.
Monday September 12th ? All on board without exception feel a glow of happiness as Aden’s hot sun greets us for the last time. Soon, very soon we will be leaving this “hot house”. The holes in the ship are mended. The last pieces of cargo are being put in the ship’s hold. The crew are seeing that everything is right. And as we look on we see at last the natives leave the ship single file. At 1 o’clock the gangway is pulled up. Then the anchors are drawn up with a clashing noise. And to the great satisfaction of all we begin to glide slowly from Aden’s shore. The passengers flock to the decks as it seems something new to be moving again after been stationary for three weeks. From our moving ship we could pick places we visited when on shore. But they soon disappear from view. Tuesday September 13th - This morning we are reminded that “it is not all plain sailing now”. We are in the Indian Ocean, which is noted for its monsoon storms. Our ship is rolling a good deal today. And most of the passengers feel its effects. We ourselves feel a bit groggy or seasick. Having heard that the bunk is the best place when one feels like this, we at once retire to our bunks, where we are rocked to sleep. At sundown (which is rather early today 5 o’clock) a lovely refreshing
sea breeze gets up bringing us back to “life” again.
Wednesday September 14th - This morning we look upon an angry ocean. Waves are mounting high, and lashing out against the sides of the ship. Our 14,000 ton ship seems like a little cork in the angry Indian Ocean. Many succumb to seasickness today. My companions are fairly bad too. I am alone at meals. On deck can be seen people who succumbed to this thing called seasickness. More than once a wave has washed over the deck. At 12 noon I happened to be watching this angry ocean, when suddenly a great wave washed in and gave me a free shower bath. Thursday September 15th - We are awakened this morning by the lashing
of the waters against the ship. We feel ourselves being rolled from one
side of the bunk to the other. The wind seems to get worse as the day goes
on.
Today we watch the flying fish. These fish are very small about the size of a small trout. They rise above the water and skim along for about 6 to 8 yards. I suppose this is the reason they have the name “flying fish”. Again we move our clocks on 30 minutes. Friday September 16th - The rolling has eased considerably today. And with the rolling easing my companions are right again. Tonight we move on our timepieces - 30 minutes. Saturday September 17th - An invigorating breeze changes us, as it were,
into new men.
This is a tropical shower. It comes down very straight and heavy.
Colombo it seems, is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, so we are
eager to go ashore. But owing to the lateness with which our ship got here,
and is sailing early the following morning we don’t get ashore. Instead
we admire its beauty from the ship.
This is our last port of call in the tropics and north of the Equator. The next will be Perth in Western Australia. Monday September 19th - Before we leave Colombo’s harbour the natives gather around the ship with their boats to sell us objects. They have fruit of different variety. We purchased some of this. They were also selling clothing of all makes and designs. As we moved out of the harbour, our eyes feasted on colourful tropical vegetation particularly pleasant after days at sea, out of sight of land. Tuesday September 20th - At last has come the day, when we must say farewell to our Northern Hemisphere, and cross to the Southern Hemisphere. In other words we cross the Equator. This takes place at 2.30pm. At this time we have here on board a Ceremony of Crossing the line. We all flock to witness this ceremony. It consisted of King Neptune and his train. Neptune is supposed to be the God of the Sea and so in this ceremony on sea he gets first place. The king and his attendants walk to a place prepared for them near the swimming pool. Then a prisoner is taken before the king who passes sentence on him. After this the prisoner is placed on his back, his face covered with doughy substance and shaved with a big wooden razor. This being finished he is thrown into the pool fully clothed. This happens to a few prisoners. In the end the king himself is put in the pool fully clothed. And this ends the “Ceremony of Crossing the line”. We had a bit of fun looking on and to a great extent it helped break the monotony. Wednesday September 21st - The greater part of today is spent preparing
for tonight’s big children’s dress parade.
The children were dressed to represent some great personage, whichever child came nearest to the one he or she represented won the day. Thursday September 22nd - The children’s sports take place today. They consist mostly of racing, which included the egg and spoon race, and the obstacle race. This was an interest for us. The sun is very hot today. Friday September 23rd - As we move away from the Equator a great change has come. It is quite cool today. We discard our tropical outfit and put on our clerical outfit once again. Our clocks go on 30 minutes. Saturday September 24th - It is very stormy and cold today. We have to put on our overcoats. It is a change we like, for we are tired of the heat. Sunday September 25th - We have the Rosary again at 10.30. No incident of interest occurred today. Our clocks go on a further 30 minutes. Monday September 26th - The storm has ceased, but still we are rolling a good deal. (30 minutes more). Tuesday September 27th - As we near the Australian Coast we play the Sports finals. Tonight we have a special dinner in honour of the Captain. The dining saloons are specially decorated and at the dinner itself, special dress is worn. The Captain himself is present at the dinner. Wednesday September 28th - If everything had gone right since we left Aden we should be in Fremantle today. But the fire in Aden is telling on the ship now. We are politely reminded that we will not reach Fremantle until tomorrow. Meanwhile the Largs Bay is battling her way through the Indian Ocean. Thursday September 29th - At last we can see the land of our destination, and instead of being sorry that our voyage is coming to a close, we are glad. We anchor about a mile outside the harbour for before we disembark we have to be examined by a doctor and the immigration officials. This being done we move to our new land and country. The Christian Brothers are waiting at the wharf side for their companion Brother O’Ready. We are invited out to their monastery where we have our first meal on terra firma. We have three days here. So we take the opportunity to visit the beauty spots of Fremantle and Perth which is the Capital City of West Australia. We admire the beautiful, tree lined streets and fine buildings, particularly the University ? the only free University in Australia. We also visit King’s Park, which extends over 1000 acres rising in parts to 250 feet, and giving glorious panoramic views of the City, Suburbs, and Swan River, backed by the rich Darling Downs. We have the pleasure during our stay of visiting all the Christian Brothers’ Colleges and Schools here. Also we visit St. John of God hospital, where we meet many Irish nuns, among whom was a sister of Brother Ignatius Mulkeen and a sister of Brother Malachy Corbett. (Both Patrician Brothers). On Saturday we have the pleasure of seeing our first game of football in Australia. And lastly, before we leave the sunny West we had a picnic. So from what I have said dear reader you’ll be able to gather what our first impressions of Australia are like.
Tuesday October 4th - I feel happy walking around the decks with Father. I tell him about our stay in Aden and all that happened there. He on the other hand tells some good tall yarns about his travels in Australia. And so the time passes. We watch the Albatross today. The Albatross is a large bird belonging to the Southern waters. Its wings from tip to tip are some 12 feet. It follows the ship for miles. Our clocks are put on 30 minutes. Wednesday October 5th - It is very cold on board today. We have a quick walk to warm ourselves. Of course, it is natural it should be cold here, as the winter is just over in the Southern Hemisphere. And so the cold arms of spring are gripping the Southern waters yet. The ship’s decks are deserted today. This afternoon we are looking forward to our arrival in the capital city of South Australia ? Adelaide. Friday October 7th - At 10.30 today we move slowly into Adelaide’s beautiful harbour. And like Fremantle we are greeted with a happy smile. Here again the Christian Brothers are waiting to take us to their monasteries. At about 11 o’clock we have tea, after which we are taken to see their schools. Dinner being finished they graciously put a car at our disposal. So we visit each of their Schools and Colleges. And indeed here we see some sights which we never dreamed of seeing. We sleep on the Largs Bay tonight. Saturday October 8th - Our day passed happily touring the city of Adelaide in a car the Christian Brothers put at our disposal. Adelaide is the nicest planned city in Australia. The streets are broad and regularly laid out, cross each other at right angles and are for the most part planted with trees. The first settlement was made in 1836, and named after the Queen of William IV. Sunday October 9th - We sail for Melbourne at 6 o’clock. Father Keoghane having procured a chalice, we have Mass on board this morning. I had the honour of serving this Mass. We feel happy as our journey is fast coming to its close. Monday October 10th - Six o’clock sees us in Melbourne’s harbour. The weather is quite good here too. We are told that we must say goodbye to the Largs Bay and finish our voyage on the Moreton Bay, a sister ship of the Largs Bay (about the same size.) We are not allowed to stay for any considerable time to see the City of Melbourne. We just get a passing glance changing from our OLD BOAT to the NEW. We spend our evening examining our new ship. It is farewell to Father Keoghane here. Wednesday October 12th - This morning we come to the end of our long voyage. At 7 o’clock our ship follows the same route as Captain Cook did in his sailing ship nearly 200 years before. At the wharf our Brothers are waiting to welcome us to Australia. After going through customs once more we say goodbye to each other so we separate each to a new monastery. I reach my new monastery at 10 o’clock. Here I am welcomed to
Australia and Forest Lodge. St. James.
I am not long here till I am brought to the school (St. James) and so I see for the first time, the scene of my labours. J.M.J.P. Brother Basil Anthony Downey. Christ with
Brother Gerald Egan was appointed to Holy Trinity, now known as Delany College, Granville, Brother Cronan O’Meara to Holy Cross College, Ryde The first edition of THE GREEN SASH, Volume 1, Issue 1 ‘hit the streets’
in 1994.
1. January
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THE CATHOLIC CLUB
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We look forward to the company of our Patrons, Father John Knight and Father Bob Mutlow, O.P., together with the Provincial, Brother Paul O’Keeffe, and fellow Patrician Brothers as guests of the Alumni. Lunch is at 1.00pm. A noon to 12.15pm arrival will give you the opportunity to relax. If you can afford to do so, please donate to our Guessing Competition.
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We
are delighted to reproduce the entries from Brother Basil Downey’s diary
of his journey in the company of Brother Gerald Egan (RIP) and Brother
Cronan O’Meara from Tullow, County Carlow, Ireland to Sydney. The voyage
aboard the SS Largs Bay, a vessel of 14,250 tons, commenced from Southampton,
England in August 1949. We express our sincere thanks to Brother Basil.
Regrettably space does not permit us to include photos, maps and sketches
that form part of his diary. However, we are hopeful that Brother Stephen
Sweetman will include such on the Brothers’ website, www.patricianbrothers.com
At
7.15am we headed for Waterloo Station. After procuring our tickets and
given good-bye to my tearful sisters, Annie and Margaret, we boarded our
train for Southampton, arriving there at 11am. It was necessary here to
queue for our Berth tickets. After having received the same and put our
luggage through the customs (the third time already) we were permitted
to board the Largs Bay. At first this Largs Bay would give one the impression
of a ‘busy little city’ - everyone appeared to be very busy. People rushing
here, there, and everywhere. But as soon as each person has found his or
her cabin things quietened down.
Sunday
September 18th - This morning we have Rosary and the Liturgy of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, during which we beg Our Lady’s protection for the remainder
of the voyage. We’re supposed to arrive in Colombo today at 4pm but on
account of the ship’s speed being reduced we don’t get there until 8pm.
Monday
October 3rd - And so it is farewell to the sunny West. We must travel another
2,000 miles to the East. However, as we move into the Great Australian
Bight we feel happy. As every day we are nearing home. Father Keoghane
(an Irish man) joins us here, but as he has not the mass kit we have no
Mass. He sits at our table and I am laughing since he came on board for
he has plenty of good Irish yarns - and he is able to tell them too.
